On any given market day in Charlotte, you’ll likely find Lidia Werntz in the midst of a bustling crowd. She’ll be laughing with vendors, troubleshooting last-minute hiccups, or offering a reassuring presence to a newcomer unsure of where to set up. As the founder and driving force behind Maker’s Market Charlotte, a grassroots vendor event celebrating local makers and small businesses, Lidia has carved out more than just space for commerce—she’s built a thriving, inclusive community.
While she’s the organizer, Lidia is quick to credit a rotating team of fellow small business owners who serve as her coordinators throughout the year. They act as her extra set of eyes and hands when she can’t be everywhere at once. And there’s her husband Evan, who she says is her tireless supporter and logistics helper.
She started Maker’s Market in 2019, and is involved in every step of each market from start to finish. She pitches the markets, secures the locations, designs flyers, creates applications and payment links, posts on social media, and ultimately runs as many markets as she is able to physically attend.
Lidia is also focused on creating a business that’s for everyone. A Mexican immigrant herself, whether it’s through shared language or lived experience, Lidia makes an effort to connect with a wide array of Charlotteans.
“As more people of color enter the market scene, I’ve seen how important it is to have someone they can relate to. It creates a sense of comfort and belonging,” she says. “Being able to speak Spanish has also helped open doors and build stronger relationships with vendors and attendees… Half the time, being at the market just feels like hanging out with friends. And that makes it all the more special.”
For Lidia, running Maker’s Market is more than just an event series—it’s a labor of love, a community lifeline, and, more often than not, a chance to hang out with friends. Here, she opens up about what drives her and the challenges and joys of organizing a grassroots market.
Why is it important to you to highlight makers, artisans, and creators?
Highlighting makers, artisans, and creators is really important to me because I truly believe in building community and supporting local businesses. Big box stores have their place, but buying small is where the real magic happens. There’s nothing like seeing someone do a happy dance after making their very first sale—or even their hundredth. Those sales aren’t just numbers; they pay for groceries, bills, a little extra spending money, and they help fuel creativity. I’ve had the privilege of watching businesses start out at their very first event with Maker’s Market Charlotte and then grow so much that they outgrow what I can offer.
Public events like this have such a communal aspect. How much is fostering community a consideration for you?
Fostering community is everything to me. I always open the market to any nonprofit or rescue group that wants to join. Because if I can help raise funds for causes I believe in that support and grow our community, why wouldn’t I? At the end of the day, it’s your neighbors who have your back. Especially with everything going on in the world right now, I think we all need that strong sense of connection and support more than ever.
Had you ever done any work like this before starting Maker’s Market Charlotte? What’s rewarding about it and what’s challenging?
No, I hadn’t done anything like this before starting Maker’s Market. I definitely fell on my face plenty of times! Honestly, I still don’t always know what I’m doing. But I’m not afraid to ask for help, which makes things easier. Every event is its own unique experience, and I try to learn something from each one. One of the biggest challenges lately has been figuring out how to stand out from other markets in the area. What used to be a novelty is becoming more common. This is great in some ways. But people aren’t as impulsive to shop when they know there’s probably another market at another brewery down the street.
For someone new to the market, what can they expect?
For someone who has never been to Maker’s Market, they can expect a friendly, welcoming environment full of unique, handmade goods from local makers and artisans. It’s a great place to shop small, discover new creators, and enjoy a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. For those interested in selling their wares, I’d encourage them to check out our social media pages and website. There, they can find all the details about upcoming events, how to apply, and what to expect as a vendor.
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